Following a renewal of Turkish-Russian relations, Turkey has taken a diplomatic stance regarding the Syrian conflict, warning against serious consequences if the five-year civil war is not resolved. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus warned this week that the Syrian proxy war between the U.S. and Russia could lead to worldwide conflict between the two powers.

“If the proxy war continues, after this, let me be clear, America and Russia will come to a point of war,” the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

However, Russia and Turkey continue to hold different views regarding what a resolution of the Syrian conflict might look like. The Deputy Prime Minister called Syrian president Bashar al-Assad a “pawn” before arguing his removal from power is necessary for long lasting peace, theIndependent reported. Russia is unlikely to accept this proposal anytime soon.

Turkey’s support for jihadists, including ISIS militants, is extensive and well-documented. Because of this, and the fact the NATO member still calls for Assad’s removal, the extent to which Turkey will refuse to participate in the formation of a global conflict between Russia and the U.S is increasingly unclear.